Internet Marketing Tools

In its essence, all social media and social networking is a group of people who come together to have a conversation around a common topic.  The internet eliminates the space and time considerations associated with traditional networking.  To be successful with Linkedin Groups, you must participate in the conversation.

Spirited Conversations

Think back to some of the best face to face conversations you’ve had with friends or colleagues.  What happen in those spirited conversations?

You talked about an important topic that interested everyone.  People had definite opinions and feelings about the issue.  Each person was involved and paid attention.  Each person made contributions to the conversation.  People took time to listen and ask questions.  Each person respected the opinions of others, even if they disagreed.

The qualities found in a lively person to person conversation are the same qualities that you want to bring to your conversations within the Linkedin Groups you join.

A Different Behavior

Participation in Groups conversations requires a different form of behavior.  It takes a different form of energy and time commitment.  You can be more or less involved in the Groups, but you do have to be there consistently if you are going to gain the respect you need to have others look at you and your business.

What would you think of a person who joined a Group six months ago?  Since that time, they have made three new connections.  They made two comments, the last one made 5 months ago?  Is that someone you would want to follow?

Because it is digital, your level of participation is open to everyone in the Group.   They see how many and when you made your last contribution.  If you went into a store in July that still had up their Christmas decorations, would you do business with them?

Conclusion

If you are going to be successful with Linkedin Groups, be prepared to participate in the conversation.  It is not a one time event.  It is an on going commitment to participate in the conversation.  Participating in Linkedin Groups are a wonderful way to foster your job search.  To be successful, you must participate and participate on a regular basis.  You will learn much from members of a Group and they will can be extremely valuable resources for your job search.

In the next blog, I will return to Linkedin Group process and how to join a group and how even to form your own Group for networking purposes.

Your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

You have been making connections on Linkedin.  Now you will take your Linkedin network to a deeper level.  Inviting others to join your connections is a basic step in forming your networking and helping with your job search.  If you want to be even more successful with Linkedin, you need to join several Linkedin Groups.  Let me explain why.

Why a Group?

Linkedin Groups are formed around people who have a shared or common interest.  ( You will have lots of choices).  Beyond being interested in networking, people in Groups want to network with a specific group of people who care as they do about a topic or an issue.  Here are a few of the benefits you will realize by being part of a Linkedin Group that goes beyond the benefits of normal Linkedin networking.

• You can see more information about Group members than the average Linkedin members.
• By participating in the Group member discussions, you get to demonstrate your expertise to others who care about the subject.
• Sharing your materials with others in the Group gives more you visibility for your job search.
• You can both give and receive from others in the Group discussions.
• You can ask questions from Group members in a different manner than the general Answers section of Linkedin.

The real power of networking, whether in traditional networking groups, Linkedin or any of the internet social networking groups, comes from being active and participating.  The real value of Linkedin comes from participating into the “people” resources of others.

To be continued, your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal